Abbott expands prohibited technologies for state employees

(The Center Square) – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday expanded a list of banned technologies for state employees and devices. It’s the latest of many actions the governor has taken to combat cyberthreats from China and other foreign actors.

Abbott’s prohibition includes additional restrictions on physical hardware, artificial intelligence and software affiliated with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

“Rogue actors across the globe who wish harm on Texans should not be allowed to infiltrate our state’s network and devices,” Abbott said. “Hostile adversaries harvest user data through AI and other applications and hardware to exploit, manipulate, and violate users and put them at extreme risk.” Expanding the prohibited technologies list will mitigate that risk and protect Texans from the PRC and CCP “and any other hostile foreign actors who may attempt to undermine the safety and security of Texas,” he said.

He expanded the list based on recommendations from Te...